Aphra Behn: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Volume 5/The Willing Mistress

Aphra Behn

“Volume 5/The Willing Mistress” as printed in National Ballad and Song (1897).

Aphra Behn: Collected Lyrics Text 2 1897 · historical text
Public domainBalladNational song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from National Ballad and Song, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Amyntas led me to a Grove,

Where all the Trees did shade us;

The Sun itself, though it had Strove,

It could not have betray’d us:

The place secur’d from humane Eyes,

No other fear allows,

But when the Winds that gently rise,

Doe Kiss the yielding Boughs.

Verse 2

Down there we satt upon the Moss,

And did begin to play

A Thousand Amorous Tricks, to pass

The heat of all the day.

A many Kisses he did give:

And I return’d the same

Which made me willing to receive

That which I dare not name.

Verse 3

His Charming Eyes no Aid requir’d

To tell their softning Tale;

On her that was already fir’d,

’Twas Easy to prevaile.

He did but Kiss and Clasp me round,

Whilst those his thoughts Exprest:

And lay’d me gently on the Ground;

Ah who can guess the rest?

Credits

Written by Aphra Behn

Words by Aphra Behn. Historical text published in National Ballad and Song (1897); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

National Ballad and Song (1897), “Volume 5/The Willing Mistress”

The 1897 published edition is in the public domain in the United States (pre-1931 publication). Entries whose credited author died more than 70 years ago are also in the public domain in life-plus-70 jurisdictions; other entries are held.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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